Dumaguit Port in Aklan to resume RoRo operations this September with Batangas route

The maritime gateway of New Washington, Aklan is gearing up for a major economic boost as the Dumaguit Port prepares to officially resume its Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) operations this coming September 2024. Two major vessels are expected to pioneer the reactivation, initially serving the crucial Batangas-Dumaguit route.

The development was confirmed by New Washington Mayor Shimonette Francisco following a successful public consultation held on June 4, 2024. The consultative meeting brought together key stakeholders from the maritime, transport, and government sectors to lay down the groundwork for the port’s highly anticipated reopening.

Collaborative Efforts for Maritime Revival

According to reports from Radyo Todo Aklan 88.5 FM, the high-level meeting saw active participation from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), leading shipping operators including Starlite Ferries and Chelsea Shipping Corp., land transport giant Ceres Bus, local government officials, and various transport sector representatives.

To ensure smooth and organized operations at the terminal, located at geographical coordinates 11° 36″ N Latitude / 122° 29′ E Longitude, the PPA has agreed to establish a dedicated management council that will oversee the day-to-day administration of the Dumaguit Port.

Trial Runs and Future Route Expansions

Mayor Francisco clarified that the initial phase of the port’s reopening will serve as a trial run, focusing solely on the Batangas-Dumaguit connection. However, local authorities and shipping lines are already looking ahead, with active proposals to expand the network to other major domestic destinations, including a highly requested route to Cebu.

While some of the port’s facilities and physical infrastructure currently require further rehabilitation and upgrades, provincial and municipal planners assured the public that the existing facilities are safe and fully capable of supporting the initial phase of commercial vessel operations by September.

An Invitation to Investors

With the return of sea travelers and cargo traffic, the local government unit (LGU) of New Washington is positioning the port area as a prime economic hub. Mayor Francisco emphasized that the LGU is fully open and ready to assist investors and local entrepreneurs who wish to establish businesses in the vicinity of the port ahead of its official reopening.

The reactivation of the Dumaguit Port RoRo network is expected to significantly reduce travel time and cargo shipping costs between Luzon and the Western Visayas, providing a more accessible alternative route for tourists heading to Aklan and the world-famous island of Boracay.